September 26, 2008

Array BioPharma’s Diabetes Drug Found to Be Effective in Preclinical Studies

by ssavage

Array BioPharma, a biopharmaceutical company, has reported positive preclinical data of a novel small molecule glucokinase activator, ARRY-403, a drug for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes.

The data showed that in multiple well-established in vivo models of Type 2 diabetes, ARRY-403 was highly efficacious in controlling both fasting and non-fasting glucose, with rapid onset of effect and maximal efficacy within five to eight days.

In combination with existing standard-of-care drugs (metformin, DPP4 inhibitor) ARRY-403 provided additional glucose-control, which reached maximal efficacy after five to seven days of once-daily dosing, the company said.

Based on these and other results, Array plans to advance ARRY-403 into human clinical studies in the first half of 2009.

Kevin Koch, president and chief scientific officer of Array BioPharma, said: "There is a significant need for new, more effective oral diabetes treatments - and glucokinase activation represents a promising new mechanism. Glucokinase activators hold the potential to bring a significant benefit to Type 2 diabetes patients and we believe ARRY-403 is a highly potent and safe glucokinase activator."